A MESSAGE FROM RICHARD S. BLUMBERG, M.D.

Alliance. Again, these initiatives demonstrate CCFA’s
forward thinking in identifying a research need and providing
the resource to meet that need. They also demonstrate
CCFA’s ability to partner with other institutions, to make
sure the best and the brightest minds in IBD and related
fields are taking part in these endeavors.
As the leader in IBD research, CCFA fully understands the
importance of partnerships. We have successfully partnered
with the NIH to accelerate progress in IBD research, as
well as with other institutions involved in CCFA-sponsored
research initiatives, such as the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC). CCFA and the CDC are working
together on an IBD epidemiology study to determine the
true prevalence of the diseases, and examine disease trends
across regions, different groups and time. This large-scale
population study is expected to provide a more accurate
assessment of IBD in America than the information currently
available. We are also encouraging the spirit of partnership
throughout the U.S. by requiring each of our chapters
to establish a Research Alliance. A Research Alliance
provides opportunities for people who want to contribute
to research, but who are unable to fund a project on their
own, to join forces with others who also want to support
research. Through this partnership, donors can build oneon-one
relationships with gifted scientists and share in the
excitement of discovery as the project progresses. For
more information on Research Alliances in your area,
contact your local chapter.
CCFA’s investment in research cultivates and nurtures IBD
investigators, who then remain in the field to mentor
others. This data has been the foundation for a greater
understanding of Crohn’s and colitis, and for new therapies.
But there are still so many questions to be answered, and
so many patients for whom available therapies are not
effective. CCFA-sponsored research could make all the
difference for patients and their families who are living
with IBD every day. Our research will lead to the discovery
of additional genes for Crohn’s disease and to the identification
of the first gene for ulcerative colitis. It will continue
to generate developments that result in new treatments,
and one day, to a means to cure
and prevent IBD.
The 21st century will see greater
strides in IBD research than ever
before. Through the support of
dedicated scientists, donors, and
volunteers, CCFA will be there to
lead the way.
research over the
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
CCFA establishes the
DNA and Cell Line
Bank and the Clinical
Research Alliance.
The entire human
genome is mapped,
revolutionizing
genetics research.
The first gene to confer
susceptibility to
Crohn’s disease,
NOD2 on chromosome
16, is discovered
jointly by researchers
in Chicago and
France, through
research partially
funded by CCFA.
CCFA convenes
“Challenges in IBD:
Updating the
Scientific Agendas,”
creating the strategic
plan for IBD
next five years. The
top priorities are
identifying major susceptibility
genes for
IBD, developing surrogate
markers of
disease activity, and
developing a detailed
understanding of the
regulatory cells in the
intestine.
Entering the Golden
Age of IBD Research:
CCFA will be there!
Spring/Summer 2003
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